A magnificent scenic hike that starts from the village of Palanzo (Faggeto Lario) and reaches Mount Palanzone and Mount Preaola, following easy trails in the heart of the Larian Triangle. This loop trail presents no technical difficulties but requires a good level of fitness. At the main junctions, you will find red and white trail markers indicating directions and estimated hiking times. As you climb these mountains, you will enjoy unique views of Lake Como and the villages nestled along its shores, with vistas stretching across the Po Valley to the majestic peaks of the Alps. Palanzo can be reached by bus (ASF Line C31 Como - Torno - Palanzo); for those arriving by car, free parking is available near the cemetery. While in the village, we highly recommend visiting the ancient monumental wine press (Il Torchio) and the famous Church of the Soldo.
From the bus stop, we begin our ascent through the narrow streets of Palanzo. In the village center, a sign points right toward the ancient wine press (Il Torchio). After visiting this centuries-old structure, pass by the Church of Sant'Ambrogio and continue uphill on Via Monte Palanzone. The trail is steep but stone-paved, leading you into a forest of beech and chestnut trees. At the junction, turn right toward Bocchetta di Palanzo. As the sun rises ahead of us, the distinctive summit of Mount Palanzone begins to peek through the canopy. After crossing a couple of streams and following wide switchbacks, you will reach Bocchetta di Palanzo (1,210 m / 3,970 ft).
At Bocchetta di Palanzo, we turn left and begin the ascent to Mount Palanzone via the southern ridge. The incline is demanding, but stopping to catch your breath while admiring these views is a true privilege. After crossing a gentle hump, the pyramid-shaped chapel on the summit of Mount Palanzone (1,436 m / 4,711 ft) comes into view. After a well-deserved break at the top, we begin the descent toward Cippo Marelli (1,310 m / 4,298 ft). Follow the dirt path to Bocchetta di Sciff (1,255 m / 4,117 ft), then keep left to climb first toward Monte di Palanzo (1,391 m / 4,564 ft) and then Monte Preaola (1,415 m / 4,642 ft)—two easy slopes separated by Bocchetta di Lavignac. From the summit of Preaola, descend the dirt trail back to Bocchetta di Sciff, then follow the signs for Palanzo - Gaggio to return to your starting point. For those wishing to extend the hike, a detour to the ancient Church of the Soldo is marked near the Palanzo tower.
The Sentiero del Viandante travels halfway up the eastern part of Lake Como, beginning in Abbadia and ending in Morbegno. To allow you to enjoy this these beautiful sites in total tranquility, the route is divided into six stages.
Sentiero del Viandante
The hike on the Strada Regia is not particularly difficult, and is instead easily doable at any time of the year, keeping in mind to avoid the hottest days of summer and snow in winter. In this guide we have divided the route into three stages.
Strada Regia
The trek to the ridge of the Lariano Triangle kicks off from Brunate and ends in Bellagio, the growth is about 37 km. which corresponds to 8/10 hours of walking, with some variations it is also possible to make the route with MTB.
Ridge Lariano Triangle
